Using Beanie Babies in a Kids Yoga Class
If you are like us (as in, my family of feral children), then you already know what Beanie Boos are. Our house is overrun with these bug-eyed critters that you’d think we started a museum exhibit solely for them. Thanks TY LOL! Anyway, my kids love these new version of Beanie Babies so much and finding them homes and playing pretend has always been a ton of fun. But like all things, it’s always so special to get resourceful and think of unique ways to use our toys and belongings.
Use Beanie Boos for Doing Yoga with Your Kids
I have been using them in our kids yoga classes for years now and I have trained other yoga teachers and educators in Jacksonville and beyond, on how to incorporate these cute stuffies. Here are my top 3 ways to use them!
Use them for balance and posture! As kids are developing their gross motor skills for a long time, they often struggle with posture. There are a lot of reasons for this, but one way to help them gain the strength necessary for optimal posture and to help them with their own postural awareness is to use Beanie Babies, or other light stuffed animals. Have them place the cuddly on the top of their head as they sit up tall, and challenge them not to let their baby fall! I like to tell them stories of how when they were babies, they liked to sit on their adult’s shoulders to see the world, and their baby wants the same!
Use them for breathing! Similarly to postural awareness, kids and adults often struggle with knowing how to breathe effectively as we are not taught to do so and we are just so busy. Breathing is automatic, so why even devote focus? Well, it is important that all of us take just a few minutes every day to intentionally breathe and notice our own breath. It can be a little boring, but add a Beanie Baby and bam, total fun! Check the video (it’s only 30 seconds!) below for tips on guiding them through this!
Use them for cuddles! All kids, especially those who are not often encouraged to show affection or be vulnerable, can really benefit from having designated time when they are resting at the end of a yoga class, to be a kid and cuddle their babies. It is very soothing, and to many children, very real. They often personify their stuffies so being permitted to demonstrate positive touch in a safe situation can help them develop empathy and release stress.
Now, don’t all those hundreds of Beanie Boos in your playroom look so amazing right now, and not like a little zoo disaster in your home?
If you are curious about kids yoga, whether you are a teacher who wants to implement the practice more in the classroom or a parent who wants their child to begin a practice, send us shout and we’ll get back to you within 72 hours!
With love,
Heather